Portraiture

I want to try my hand at portraiture again soon.
I was reading my Digital Photo Magazine and there were some tips which I want to try.
I am hoping to achieve the B&W with some shadows kind of portrait.

Anyway I look this picture of a friend i took...time to find friends who like pictures to let me have a crack at it as well as find time to do it.

I think i have less time for my photo projects these days, working is starting so I better start reading my manuals!